Neighborhood Associations

In 1997, in cooperation with the Walla Walla Police Department, Walla Walla 2020 was instrumental in establishing a Walla Walla Area Block Watch Council — comprised of representatives from 12 Walla Walla neighborhoods, and open to members of all organized block watches in the Walla Walla-College Place urban area. Residents of unorganized neighborhoods were invited to attend council meetings to find out about organizing.

The purposes of the council were:

  • to share strategies and experience with other neighborhoods
  • to communicate neighborhood needs to public officials
  • to provide resources to help neighborhoods organize
  • to obtain current information from police and other agencies
  • to help find ways to strengthen our neighborhoods and our community.

The council planned a series of programs focusing on a variety of topics, including neighborhood graffiti removal, cleanup of problem houses, street closures for block parties, relations with neighborhood juveniles, and other matters of interest or concern for the creation of strong, healthy neighborhoods.

Walla Walla 2020 is interested in encouraging and supporting Walla Walla area neighborhood associations to help strengthen our sense of community and mutual aid, and for greater resilience in the face of changing conditions.

So You’d Like To Start A Neighborhood Association?

  • Why?

    Crime Watch/Security

    Clean up/Fix up

    Tree Planting

    Get to know and enjoy your neighbors better

    Better municipal services (such as lighting, street repair)

    Mutual help, and assistance for the elderly and disabled

    Kids get along better

    It’s a lot of fun!

  • Who?

    Everyone in your neighborhood

    What is your neighborhood, what are its boundaries, its identity?

    How large an area can you handle?

  • How?

    Start with a handful of interested people

    Call an initial meeting at your home or another convenient place

    Be open and flexible, but have an agenda of questions to be addressed

    Brainstorm the kinds of things an association might do in your neighborhood

    Where to start?  Maybe create and distribute a neighborhood questionnaire.

    A street party is a great way to get everyone together. At the party, you can announce the survey results and have signups for committees.

  • Where can I get help?

    Some cities provide support services for neighborhood associations (materials, advice)

    Try the Crime Prevention Office of the Walla Walla Police Department, 525-3342.

    The Walla Walla County Department of Human Services has some materials, 527-3278.

    The North Main Area Neighborhood Association has a good packet of materials, 522-0399.

    If you can’t find what you need, contact Walla Walla 2020 via our contact form.

There’s still plenty left to do!

Use the contact form to find out how to get involved with Walla Walla 2020